Maternity garment

ABSTRACT

A maternity undergarment is provided which may include an upper and a lower portion. The lower portion may be worn, or may be extendable, between the legs of the user. The upper portion may be composed a front and a rear segment, claspable or connectable at the user&#39;s sides so that the user would not need to bend over in order to put on the undergarment. At least some of the upper portion may be manufactured to be resilient and extendable around either the lower portion of the woman&#39;s stomach, her back, or both in order to offer additional support.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/730,211, filed Nov. 27, 2012, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to underwear or garments for use during a woman's pregnancy, and more particularly to undergarments for support and comfort.

BACKGROUND

Over the course of the approximately 38 weeks of pregnancy, a woman's abdomen will distend as the fetus grows and the uterus expands. Weight gain is particularly rapid during the third trimester when the fetus may gain up to 28 grams per day. While a noticeable “baby bump” develops during the second trimester, considerable weight gain is experienced during the third trimester and the woman's abdomen will extend and noticeably drop. As a woman continues to gain weight, she becomes less mobile and previously simple actions, such as bending over, becomes more and more difficult and uncomfortable, making it challenging to perform otherwise simple tasks such as picking an object up from the floor or putting clothes on. As weight gain and abdominal distension continues, she may wear maternity clothing which is adapted for a pregnant woman's changing body.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An embodiment of a maternity undergarment is provided in accordance with the disclosure. The undergarment may include a lower portion wearable between the legs of a user and having a front end and a back end, and a resilient upper portion having a first elongate segment wearable about the abdomen of a user and a second elongate segment wearable about the back of a user, the first and second elongate segments of the upper portion attached to the front and back ends of the lower segment, respectively, and the upper portion having first and second fasteners provided on each end of the first and second elongate segments in order to join the first and second elongate segments at openable ends of the upper portion on left and right sides of the undergarment. The first or second fastener may include at least one hook and at least one eye mateable with said at least one hook. The at least one eye may be at least two rows of eyes and the at least one hook is the number of hooks in a row of eyes, and joining the at least one hook to a first row of eyes results in a tighter upper portion than joining the at least one hook to a second row of eyes. The upper and lower portions may be integrally formed. The lower portion may be integrally sewn together with the upper portion. The maternity undergarment includes a strap for connecting the maternity undergarment to another clothing element to be worn by the woman. The element may be either a bra or a maternity band. The lower portion may extend down a woman's legs, and the lower portion includes a side fastener provided on each side of the lower portion for opening and closing the lower portion along the side of the woman's legs. The side fastener may be a zipper. The maternity garment may include a secondary material integrally woven into the front segment. The second material may include a vibrating mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a maternity garment in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the maternity garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the maternity garment of FIG. 1 as viewed on a pregnant woman;

FIG. 4 is the perspective view of FIG. 4 with the maternity garment unfastened;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the disclosure, showing a hook and loop belt closure as viewed on a pregnant woman;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the disclosure, showing a strap connectable to a maternity brassiere as viewed on a pregnant woman;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the disclosure, showing the maternity garment attached to a maternity belt as viewed on a pregnant woman;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the disclosure, showing a maternity garment with leggings as viewed on a pregnant woman; and

FIG. 9 is the perspective view of FIG. 8 with the upper portion unfastened and the lower portion partially unfastened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the systems and methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the concepts.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as “connected,” although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body of a maternity garment 100 includes a lower region 110, extending between the woman's legs in order to cover the crotch and buttocks area, and an upper region 120 extending around the woman's abdomen and back. Lower region 110 may be constructed using a material such as cotton, polyester, nylon, elasthan, viscose, lace, silk, or any other known or to be developed material for use in under garments. Additional material 112 may be further provided on the lower region 110 either embedded or sewn into the material, or provided on a surface of the material on the side of lower region 110 contacting the woman. The additional material can be thicker, more absorbent, or having a deodorizing effect.

Additionally, secondary material or attachment 114 may be provided on second portion 120 either on the side facing the woman, the side opposing the woman, or provided internally within band 120, either within a compartment or integrally interwoven into the band 120. Material 114 may be additional padded material for comfort and support, or may be mechanical or electrical component insertable into an internal compartment on band 120. For example, a woman could provide a vibrating mechanism in a compartment 114 proximate her back in order to massage her back or provide pain relief. As an additional example, the woman may provide a musical device in a compartment proximate her abdomen in order to play music to the child she is carrying, or a wellness monitor for measuring the vital signs of the child she is carrying. It should be appreciated that a variety of mechanical and electrical devices 114 are contemplated within the disclosure as being provided in a compartment or externally attached to second portion 120.

Band 120 may be further provided with one or more slits 128 on either first or second portion 122/123, or both. Slits 128 may increase breathability and comfort for the woman wearing garment 100, while additionally resulting in increased stretchability of second portion 120. By providing slits 128, less material is also required to manufacture band 120 thereby reducing the cost to produce garment 100. One or more slits 128 may also have shapes other than that illustrated in FIG. 2, include ornamental shapes.

Upper region 120 includes first and second band or belt segments 122, 123 and at least two first connectors 124 provided on ends of the first band segment 122, each first connector mateable with a second connector 126 provided on ends of the second band portion 123. In one embodiment, first connector 124 includes at least one hook and second connector 126 includes at least one eye for receiving hook 124. In a hook and eye embodiment of garment 100, belt 120 can feature a plurality of hooks 124 each mateable with a corresponding eye 126. Rows of eyes 126 may be provided so that the woman may adjust the belt 120 tightness as her abdomen further distends later in the pregnancy. In some embodiments, there may be four to six rows of eyes. These hook and eye fasteners may be similar to the fasteners used in bras and are thus familiar and easy to use for most woman while providing a secure and adjustable connection. In addition to the illustrated embodiment, eye or rows of eyes 126 may be provided on first segment 122, and hook or hooks may be provided on second segment 123, or hook or hooks 124 may be provided on one end of first segment 122 while eye or eyes 126 may be provided on the opposite end of first segment 122, with mating connectors 124/126 provided on respective end of second segment 123. Additional embodiments are contemplated where connectors 124, 126 are Velcro, buttons, snaps, clips, straps and buckles, or other known or to be developed material or mechanisms for fastening.

An additional embodiment of maternity wear 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5 utilizing a loop 124 and strap 126 as connectors for securing maternity wear 100. In this embodiment, two pieces of connectable fabric fasteners 127, such as Velcro, are provided on second segment 123, which is passed through a loop 124 provided on first segment 122. Instead of mating fabric portions 127, second segment 123 may instead or additionally feature snaps, a ring, a second set of hooks and eyes, laces, or other known or to be developed connectors for securing the end of second segment 123 after having passed through loop 124.

Upper portion 120 is connected to lower portion 110 and may be worn around the woman's back and distended abdomen for supporting those respective regions. In some embodiments, the upper portion 120 is a band having a width between 1 and 8 inches, for example 2 to 2.5 inches. In order to support the abdomen and back, band 120 may be made from a stronger or thicker material than lower region 110, including polyester, lycra, spandex, or other stretchable and supportive material. The material of lower and upper portions 110, 120 may be the same or different. It should be appreciated however, that band 120 operates to provide support to the woman's distended abdomen as well as her back, both being anatomical areas which require extra support for a pregnant woman, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. Because the lower portion 110 does not require the same support, lower portion 110 may be constructed from a more comfortable material, such as cotton or lace, while upper portion 120 may be constructed from material, such as elastane, which is more suitable for support and elasticity to accommodate an increasingly distended abdomen.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front and back of the underwear may be fastened along the sides of the woman by connectors 124/126 and, in the illustrated embodiment, slightly towards the front of the woman. The front segment worn under the abdomen may be second portion 123, and the rear segment may be first segment 122, however it should be appreciated that first portion 122 may be the front portion and second portion 123 may be the rear portion in some embodiments. Maternity wear 100 may be worn by placing lower portion 110 between the legs, securing connectors 124/126 together on a first side of the woman, securing connectors 124/126 on an opposite side of the woman, and adjusting both front and rear portions 122/123 of second portion 120 for comfort and aesthetic appeal around the abdomen and back. By having the connectors 124/126 positioned to be fastenable along the sides of the woman, she may strap the underwear on without having to bend over; an increasingly difficult task as her pregnancy advances. The location of fasteners 124/126 further permits the woman to put on the undergarment while sitting or lying down by simply passing the lower portion 110 between the legs and fastening first and second portions 122, 123 of upper portion 120 at her sides.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, additional embodiments of garment 100 may further include hooks or straps 128 for connecting garment 100 to another clothing element to be worn by the woman, for example a bra as illustrated in FIG. 6 or a maternity band as illustrated in FIG. 7. Hook 128 may also stretch over the woman's shoulders, similar to a suspender, and connect to another hook provided either on garment 100 or another clothing article. Although illustrated as a hook 128 fed by a strap from another article, it should be understood that a variety of connection elements are contemplated for connecting garment 100 to other wearable items, including items below the abdomen such as pantyhose or stockings.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an additional embodiment of garment 100 where lower portion 110 includes leggings extendable down the legs of the woman. Lower portion 110 includes a side fastener 129, illustrated as a zipper, for fastening front and rear ends of the lower portion 110 together at the side of the woman. It is further contemplated within the disclosure that fastener 129 may be any known or to be developed fastener for connecting two pieces of fabrics including, but not limited to, buttons, hooks, fabric, or ties. Fabric may also be provided above belt 120 and similarly joined by a fastener 129.

In additional embodiments, an additional elastic belt or band (not illustrated) may be connected to upper portion 120. The additional band may be open at the front 123 and secured at the back 122, or open at the back 122 and secured at the front 123. The additional band may be secured by any known or to be developed securing or fastening means, such as being sewn to upper portion 120. The additional band is extendable around either side of the user and each end of the additional band is fastenable to one another thereby providing additional support to the abdomen and/or back of the user. The open ends of the additional band may be secured together by any known means, such as fabric or fasteners, or may be tied together similar to a robe. Belt loops may also be provided along the sides of upper portion 120 in order to maintain alignment of the additional band.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features to the present disclosure and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure might occur to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be included as further embodiments of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A maternity undergarment comprising: a lower portion extendable between the legs of a user and having a front end and a back end; and a resilient upper portion having a first elongate segment extendable about the abdomen of a user and a second elongate segment extendable about the back of a user, the first and second elongate segments of the upper portion attached to the front and back ends of the lower segment, respectively, and the upper portion having first and second fasteners provided on each end of the first and second elongate segments in order to join the first and second elongate segments at openable ends of the upper portion on the sides of the undergarment.
 2. The maternity undergarment of claim 1, wherein a first or second fastener includes at least one hook and at least one eye mateable with said at least one hook.
 3. The maternity undergarment of claim 2, wherein the at least one eye includes at least two rows of eyes and the at least one hook includes the number of hooks in a row of eyes, and joining the at least one hook to a first row of eyes results in a tighter upper portion than joining the at least one hook to a second row of eyes.
 4. The maternity undergarment of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower portions are integrally formed.
 5. The maternity undergarment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion is sewn together with the upper portion.
 6. The maternity undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a strap for connecting the maternity undergarment to a clothing element to be worn by the woman.
 7. The maternity undergarment of claim 6, wherein the clothing element is either a bra or a maternity band.
 8. The maternity garment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion extends down a woman's legs as the maternity garment is worn, and the lower portion includes a side fastener provided on each side of the lower portion for opening and closing the lower portion along the side of the woman's legs as the maternity garment is worn.
 9. The maternity garment of claim 8, wherein the side fastener is a zipper.
 10. The maternity garment of claim 1, further comprising a secondary material integrally woven into the front segment.
 11. The maternity garment of claim 10, wherein the second material includes a vibrating mechanism. 